Nearby Theaters

This theatre opened January 16, 1981 by the Plitt Theatres chain at the River Oaks West Center just a few blocks away from where the other theatres where located. Both screens sat about 500 people each and the seats were normal and didn’t have rocking seats like theatres 1 and 4 did.

What I can remember was that the seats were red and the back of it was kinda gray mixed with black, the auditorium walls were dark red with gold lights around it. And, as you entered the place, the concession stand was right in front of you and, to the left of the concession stand was the restrooms and the auditoriums.

If I remember correctly, this place was used for 70mm but I’m not sure. Back in the day, this was the place for indie and first run flicks. In the 90s I saw “Jungle Fever”, “Hudson Hawk”, “A Low Down Dirty Shame”, “Kiss The Girls”, and others all at 11 and 12. From what I saw the last time I was there, when I saw “Species 2” in April of 1998, it was packed. But, in July of that year, Loews Cineplex closed it down and it sat vacant until 2004 when it was demolished to make way for more retail space. A sad end for what was the best River Oaks Theatre in my opinion.

Tamir, I think you are confusing the theaters. The one you first refer to being behind River Oaks West was known originally as River Oaks 5-6. But the way you describe the entrance sounds like River Oaks 7-8 located right by Marshall Fields. When you entered 5-6 after purchasing your tickets you had to walk down a hallway. Posters were on the right with restrooms on the left. The concession stand was straight ahead. Once you reached the concession you would turn to your right and both auditoriums were down a shorter hallway located next to each other on the right. I was a visitor there many times and was shocked by its closing. What was further shocking was less then a month after I went by there and was able to walk in and find the theaters were already completely gutted. As of now there is still no business in that space and no sign the theater was ever there.

11 & 12 was pretty much thin hallways that did turn to the right to get to the theaters. I do remember red and grey too…and lots of lights around the concession stand which was on the left. Does anybody remember when The Empire Striks Back was released at 9 & 10, that they painted a mural on the street of the star wars characters all in big blue circles???? I want pictures of this! I grew up in all of the River Oaks theaters, when it was an out-door mall. The good ol' days. Thank God that 9 & 10 still stands, they were going to close it down. That is where I have seen every Star Wars open since I was a kid…! In fact, when 11 & 12 closed down, the local police and I were going to have target practice inside,and destroy everything.. but it never happened….